WASHINGTON (7News) — Jeff Clabaugh, a familiar voice to generations of Washington listeners for his decades of business reporting on WTOP News, has died at the age of 63. The station confirmed his passing on Friday, just two days after he delivered his final money news update on the air.
A Career Spanning Decades
Clabaugh joined WTOP in the 1990s, beginning as a news anchor before carving out his place as one of the region’s most trusted business voices. He briefly left the station to work for the Washington Business Journal, but returned in 2016 to serve as WTOP’s in-house business reporter.
Over the years, his reports helped listeners navigate everything from daily stock market shifts to broader consumer trends. Known for his approachable style, Clabaugh had the rare ability to make complex financial stories accessible to everyday audiences.
“If you knew about consumer business, then chances are you knew Jeff,” the station wrote in tribute.
Warmth and Wit Behind the Mic
WTOP General Manager Joel Oxley remembered Clabaugh not only for his professional excellence but also for the warmth he brought to his work.
“Jeff had the kind of voice and writing style that was conversational yet informative,” Oxley said. “He was warm. He was smart.”
Station colleagues described him as a reporter with a sharp sense of humor and a talent for lightening the mood, even while covering serious financial stories.
Life Beyond the Newsroom
Away from the microphone, Clabaugh was known as a passionate foodie who loved exploring new restaurants and sharing recommendations. He also cherished time spent at his second home on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a favorite escape from the bustle of Washington.
Clabaugh’s career in broadcasting stretched far beyond the D.C. market. Before WTOP, he worked at WOW Radio in Omaha, Nebraska, where he got his start. His path also took him to USA Today Sky Radio and Radio Netherlands, experiences that broadened his reporting and on-air presence.
Final Days and Lasting Legacy
Clabaugh died Thursday at his home after a yearlong battle with cancer. By his side was his partner of 35 years, Russ Rader. His final broadcast aired just two days earlier, marking the end of a career that left an indelible mark on Washington journalism.
Friends and colleagues say his voice will be deeply missed — not just for the clarity he brought to business reporting, but for the warmth and humanity he shared with listeners each day.
For thousands across the region who tuned in for their daily news, Jeff Clabaugh was more than a reporter. He was a trusted companion on the airwaves, making sense of business and consumer issues while reminding people that behind the headlines, there is always a human story.
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